Wednesday, February 4, 2009

I attended some wonderful sessions at WHSA and will recap the highlights of my favorites here.

I attended a presentation by Wendy Young, Director of Kidlutions. This presentation covered some topics regarding behavior. If you click on her website, you should be able to get a copy of the WHSA handout there. Here are some of the things that I will be using from this workshop:

Bug and a Wish--"It bugs me when ___________, I wish ____________."

Two put ups for every put down

Mad box (playdough, bubbles, paper, and markers) for a child when he/she is angry.

Measuring anger with a string.

Having a an anger thermometer.

There were MANY other things that I will try, those were only a few highlights. As I try them, I'll post my results. One of the main points she brought home was putting the solution to a problem in the child's hands. This is something that I do in my classroom, but I'm vowing to do it more.

I also went to a wonderful leadership training that was run by Dr. Tim Nolan from the Center for Leadership Excellence. His presentation was spent doing some reflective practice and was far too short! I will definitely be returning to the provided materials and spend some time in reflection.

I attended another presentation about social/emotional education and addressing behavior. They provided participants with many ideas and suggestions from CSEFEL. There were many ideas that I want to take back to my room and use but the main one that I will be using is the compliment/manners tree. Basically, myself and my teacher assistants will write on a leaf every time we see a child doing something such as helping a friend, giving a compliment, cleaning up their area, etc. I'll read them off during transition time and the child will get to tape his or her leaf up on the tree. At the end of the month, they'll get sent home so parents can see all of the positive things their children are doing. The powerful thing is that one thing must be found for each child. The goal is to catch children doing the right thing.

The final presentation that I want to write about was probably the most profound for me. At one point in time I worked for an Even Start Family Literacy program. I really enjoyed my time working for this now disolved program. The presentation that I participated in covered a program called Families and Schools Together. Much of what I saw there reminded me of the togetherness and support felt in the family literacy program. I'm intersted in learning more about FAST and I am hoping that my current employeer will take interest in starting a FAST program in our area.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Well, tomorrow is the WHSA conference. I'm not presenting here, just enjoying myself. I look forward to many topics on behavior and leadership! I'll post upon my return.

I wanted to add some information today about the FISH! Philosophy. I'm not going to spend time writing about the WHAT but I do have a neat batch of ideas that I found online regarding the HOW. I found these ideas here. There's lots of great information here and I look forward to trying out lots of ideas at home and work. After all, FISH! isn't just for business. I am going to try one thing in each area, my goal being that slowly FISH! will catch on at work with out me ever saying thing about it.

PLAY

Create a employee bulletin board with pictures, likes, hobbies, family, petsHave a central area to share good news (births, weddings, promotions, kid's achievements)Have a joke bulletin board where jokes can be postedCreate a bulletin boards to have fun - any employees can add anything within reason to the board, can be to have fun with someone in company or a national figure or issue, no ridiculing!, no hurtful comments!Get a Polaroid camera for work. Fill a bulletin board with photosPhoto Day - Baby Photo ContestPost a cartoon every day. Make someone responsible for different daysCartoon pictures that may relate (or use cartoon, but make up a new "improved" caption related to subject).Have an area in which you post photos of staff having fun at workDisplay pictures of all the staff - a wall of fameBring a camera for funny moments and hang picturesRoving random photographer

Poke fun at yourselfTell a funny story about yourselfRequire everyone to bring in a joke for a staff meeting and tell at the beginningJoke around with one anotherTell a "bad" joke to the first person you meet every morning2 minute joke drillShare a joke or funny storyKid around with co-workers - it helps make the day fun and go fasterTease a resident good naturedly, i.e.,"seen any good looking men lately?"Come up with a funny story, quote, or comic for each day and share it with everyoneDo a joke chain letterMorning announcement joke (over loudspeakers)

Have silly days-everyone participateDo foolish things to make them laughDo something sillyMake a spectacle of yourself for the residents amusementWear clown noses on busy daysLaugh at yourself - don't take life so seriouslyPrank calls to the kitchen from the phone on the loading dockPractical jokes like: Lock the bathroom door, write women's room only on unisex bathroom, decorate your boss's office at least once a dayJoke and play- have wheelchair racesAnswer the phone "Zachery's Pizza" or as some other local businessPut bubble wrap under chairs for feet and entry door mat, so it pops

Start a fun committee to help organize eventsHave a team brainstorming session to explore acceptable ways to have fun in your workplace

Theme days e.g. pajama, Hawaiian shirt dayHave a Spirit week- crazy hair dayWheelchair and walker racesBeach party in January

Happy Unbirthday WeekHave a No Whining DayCreate holidays on non-holidaysNASCAR Day - Dress as your favorite driverColor for the day - all wear same color to work for unityHave a resident/employee socialCelebrate not only boss's day, nurses day, etc. but celebrate the first snow day, etc.Have a Dress Up Day - come to work as a character or costume on HalloweenHat Day, Dress Up Day, Costume DayWear fun clothing, bright colors, fun jewelry on certain daysSay Thank You DayDo a Good Deed DayResident / staff activities - scavenger hunt, wheel chair race, ice cream social, breakfast, supperBring in hypnotist, magician, $5 massages, etcIce cream social or other activityPlay with water balloons in the summerCelebrate holidaysInvent a "holiday"Sponsor a cookout/softball game/swimming activity at a nearby state parkTalent showPenny wars (winner/loser) must do something like kiss a goat.Don't be so serious - decorate for holidays (i.e. Halloween)

Do some team building activitiesIce breakers in unit meetings e.g. write a secret about yourself and then guess who it isTeam building exercises once a month- intellectually challenging & physicalPlay some new non-competitive games as a teamMonthly, pick a day and have department go somewhere in the afternoon, such as climb a mountain together then go somewhere to eat fattening Italian pastaOutside activities (bowling, picnics, ball games)Put together a department scrapbookGo on a field tripContest of some sort...using department teamsDo something for the community as a work teamEnable employees to volunteer on work time at non-profits once a month, quarter or yearBring department together once a month to share good stories and problems. Keep everyone aware of what is going on in the hospital. No one should be in the dark

Switch roles for one hourHave a job swap - pick a different jobChange places with our residents-let them be staff and us, the residentsBe someone else for a day - who knows you may like that person - you never knowReverse days - pick students to run classChange job responsibilities for a short period of time or job shadow for an understanding of what others do

Have everyone share their most embarrassing moment (if they dare) during a special project, etc.Let the kid in you come outTwirl when all fails (per Loretta LaRoche)Put humorous stuff in the newsletter every weekAct like you just had a large coffeeDress up your office or space with fun stuffPut out toys to play withPlay with hula hoopsHave a toy box in work area - with groucho glasses, clown noses, koosh balls, paddle ballsBuy a rubber fishKeep a squirt gun handyBuild a pyramid out of muffinsToss a few nerf balls once in a whileHave a anti-stress box with serious and fun things in it - Tylenol, punching bag, big eraser for big mistakes

Dress up funny for the residents on special occasions (Halloween, Picnics)Wear wild clothes to help start conversations

Answer call lights together. "49 is ringing" "49 is ringing"Respond with playfulness - let go of worrying "what they will think" and instead find opportunities to surprise people.Put a face of someone from the dept or hospital on every screen saver in the deptSend notes between offices as paper airplanes

Play musicSing-people will either sing with you or laugh-either way you have a brightened a dayPlay: Music/entertainment in the cafeteria at timesDon't post the daily menu. Sing it to the residents together.

Make written messages amusingChange boring routines: wear a funny hat when serving mealsTie a helium balloon to a resident's wheelchairAllow a fun environmentThrow candy at my cubby, "mates!"Greet everyone every morning in your office by standing in front of their desk and bowingBirthday balloons for everyone, delivered and singModel funShock people, wear a wig to workDo something unexpected (i.e. pull out glasses with a funny nose while going over instructions)Do something fun at the beginning of each meeting - icebreakerRaffles - parking spaces, free meal tickets - use money for charity, good causes, purchase hospital equipmentClown to make rounds to see staff and patientsHave someone act like Miss Disorganized running around on roller skatesHave shift cheer or code phrase to start the dayStart the day with a group cheer!!Secret pal games: could be done quarterlyDo something unexpectedLeave a goofy message on someone's voice mailRecess (free time to play, meditate, nap, relax) - non structured timeEntertainment (carnival acts) during lunch/dinner in the cafeteriaCompile a department or hospital wide journal of employee work stories - humorous, thoughtful, emotional (like Chicken Soup books)

Find something to celebrate, even a small thingCelebrate small "wins" not just big projectsMake a day/week or month a "Celebrate Success" day: Within department, remind ourselves of most recent successes.

MAKE THEIR DAY

Tenth customer gets something specialFind ways to thank customers for their businessEvents for customer appreciationCustomer Prize Day - "You are the one millionth customer..."

Do a little extra for one person every dayActivities and lots of loveCustomer and employee socialsCompliment a customer / patron (and mean it)Do something special for your customers - unexpectedlyAssist visitors who seem disoriented or lost in your workplaceCreate a fun playful attitude with your patients and their familiesInvolve the residents in activities (chain effect)Have the customer of the week - someone you pick for a silly reason or an accomplishment and start a bulletin boardIf a resident looks sad, give them a hugBe extra kind if you see someone is having a bad dayDo unexpected things, surprisesMake patients feel like they are noticed, share your loveGo beyond work description (to help customer/co-workers) and show them that you careBring fresh flowers from garden for residents - They love itGive stickers ( I had a good check up) goofy, but maybe adult may like it, kids love stickers.Laugh more with customers at the front desk, start with a big smile and take it from thereWrite them notes or cards I tell the residents that I love them

Sending anonymous notes of appreciationLeave a happy note for your co-workerTell everyone you see during the day, what you appreciate about them or a positive thing about themShow appreciation for a co-workerGive co-workers complimentsGet ideas from staff of items they enjoy and would like to receive - comes in handy when recognizingTell your boss you appreciate what he/she does for you.Pass an award around (fish) secretly with a note saying why the person deserves awardGive out 1,000,000 candy bars as a "bonus" for going above and beyond at workSnickers awardsSay thanks for the smallest thingLet employees know they are appreciated by taking time to write them notes or doing something special for themHave a pass around stuffed mascot - awarded by group consensusHave an appreciation day - Hand out cards to everyone and have them choose a person they appreciate at work and them why and forward cards to common place. Post the results and have silly rewardsStaff appreciation - Managers wash their carsAcknowledge physicians for their accomplishmentsCelebrate people's birthdays by cutting out paper balloons and having everyone write down something that they appreciate about the birthday personEveryone who works this weekend gets .... movie ticket, gift certificateFocus on what people do well, and thank them when they do something that is goodUse a physical thing (ex; stuffed animal) and give to a new person each day/week for doing something good or who needs extra support.Have a secret partner that we could exchange small giftsInvade a meeting to honor someone who has done something for another area totally unannouncedMake a banner for another department or discipline, tell them how much you appreciate them and hang it up in their areaSurprise one of your co-workers with a cup of coffee, etc

Treat your fellow staff workers wellBe caring to one anotherTreat people the way you want to be treatedDo a kind deed for a not so close friendAlways be ready and available to help other workersGo out of your way to help e.g. someone finish a projectRandom acts of kindnessLeave a surprise trinket/chocolate/etc on someone's deskAsk "Can I help you with something, or do you need any help?" once a dayDo things to make the other person's job easier - everyone benefitsWhen a co-worker feels down in the dumps, say something to lift their spiritsBe extra kind if you see someone is having a bad dayLend a hand whether it's your job or notGiving a flower to the aid, nursing or kitchen staff personBring in books you've read, clothes/toys kids have outgrown to share with co-workersPick a posy on your way in and present it to the first person you seeBring flowers

Surprise food, flowers, treatsTrade lunchesTake turns bringing in something for coffee breakBring a cake to work for no reasonBring in homemade goodiesMaple syrup / pancake cook-offPot lucks once a monthHave lunch together (send out for pizza)Have a jar of m&m's (or any favorite candy) available for everyone - it's bright, colorful, and gets people talking even if they don't want to!Have a candy bowl out at all timesBring in candy to bring cheerDrink more coffeeChocolateStart the day with coffee, donuts or bagelsMake popcorn to shareMake cookies to share with people who come into your officeTeam lunches or gatherings to acknowledge work accomplished and individuals' efforts (preferably off site)Have office parties - quick lunch, picnics, etcRandom acts of kindness - bring in cookiesPicnicsGames after hours for the families BBQRun special activities, like pot luck lunches, to help bond staff on a more personal level at workPlan staff retreats, picnics, parties (or for customers)Have Pizza Day once a monthHave little goodies to shareBring popsicles for all-especially on a really hot dayTreats for staff when they don't expect it (candy or ice cream)Take a peer to lunch just becauseBE THERE

Greet everyone you seeSay "Good Morning"Stop into someone's office just to say "hi"

Listen to what others have to sayAsk how people really are and LISTEN to the answer!Don't interruptAssure people you heard their concerns by restating that you heard

Give undivided attention/focusBe attentive 100% to every customer - make them feel important

Do your best knowing that it will be appreciatedBe dependableStrive to give 100%Do your best while you are hereMake the most of present moment with a person

Ask customers about something they enjoy and build a relationship with themEngage in meaningful conversationGet to know your co-workers at more than a superficial level

Everyone needs human touch-hug and touch residentsSee each person as God sees them-specialA touch, a pat on the back, a hug, smileEnjoy the person you are withFind out about someone's hobbyBe interested in people's livesBe glad to see peopleCare about employees lives outside of workLearn from mistakesBe supportive when someone has an ideaBe true to yourselfNotice when someone is downPay attention to who you're with no matter how much is on your mindAsk the residents about their day - talk to them about the old times, the weather - something that brings back memories, smiles & tearsAsk customers about themselves. Find out what they want to talk aboutGenuinely take an interest in what people are sayingSpend a few moments to meet a new co-worker - learn their name and positionTake few moments to find your balance, emotional and mental center

Do no harmAnswer phone promptly - return messages and e-mailsRemember that you can make a difference without realizing it at the moment

CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE

Count your blessings not your troublesBe grateful every day!!!Take a few moments before starting work and reflect on the things you are grateful forWrite down why you love your jobTake time to celebrate your successesRemember each day is a blessing share the joy of life with those around youFeel lucky to have a great job, home, etc.

Choose a positive attitude and let it be contagiousAccept responsibility for your attitudeDon't let circumstances or others set your attitudeStart each day fresh - Don't give past struggles continued power over your lifeDo not carry over a bad day to the next dayWake up each morning and make a decision to be happy that dayHave a positive attitude regardless of how your day is goingActively choose to have a good day, regardless of those around youDon't let others set your attitudeThink about difficulties as a way of strengthening your character, an opportunity for growth

Enjoy the moment - Appreciate life and its rewardsLook for the humor in situations and lifeFind the humor in situations as well as the seriousnessPlace a humor section in everyone's job description, where you are expected to enjoy yourself at workDon't take life too seriously - No one has ever come out of it alive!Don't take things personallyFind the silver lining in a bad situation - Turn a negative into a positiveChoose to be happy and tell someone about itChoose to see other people as important and affected by your attitudeDon't sweat the small stuff

Don't participate in group gripingStop complaining and blaming others for your problemsDo not grumble even if you feel like itStop complaining (do something about it)Distance your self from others with a bad attitude or be willing to invest the time and energy into learning why those people have a negative attitude and in helping them change itAvoid making negative comments to both customers and co-workers

Don't gossip or spread gossip

Keep the big picture in mind - it makes the day-to-day struggles easierMake it your job to cheer up fellow employees everydayMake an effort to be more patient with others

Make negative tasks fun, do them as a team, make games out of themMake the best out of every situation possibleNever buy into their down attitude - acknowledge it but turn it aroundMake an ordeal an event. (Turn a difficult task into a group party!)Take a negative situation in stride

Inspirational signs, posters, and quotes from people we knowQuotes for encouragementHappy photos on wallsMake sure the environment is bright and cheerfulPut positive notes on your desk for yourself & others to readStart with your workspace: What does it look like? How can it be more fun? inviting?

Start each morning with a prayer and ask for God's help and patiencePsych yourself up before walking in the doorPositive thought for the dayIf you are doing something that you don't like, dress up first so that people compliment you and you feel betterLook for the good in everything, because there is good in all of usTalk positivelyBe upbeat. Don't act like you are down about something. Everyone has a "hook" in their life, they are trying to cope with.Set an example-with a positive spirit/attitudeCome to work with a positive attitude (there are always people in worse situations)

Do something to lighten your dayTry to help yourself and others see the humor in everything around themEvaluate your actions and reactions - are you choosing the attitude you want?Walk in another's shoes, yours is not the only job that may have problemsHonor your work

Throw some fish if you start your day with an attitudeTreat yourself special every day - go first class with little thingsMake it your job to cheer up fellow employees everydayThink of something nice about everyone you encounter every day

Accept the fact that things are going to go wrong once in a whileTake a break (go for a walk) when you feel you are getting frustratedTake a mental health day when neededHave a mental health moment - where you stop what you are doing, relax, take a deep breath, do some stretches, clear your brain of any obsessive thoughts and refocus. Then get back to work you slacker!Expect the best from a situation or circumstance - be an optimistRemember difficult circumstances don't last forever - This too shall pass!